REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK
‘Economic incentives are limited’: What does Russia really offer Africa?
African nations weigh political incentives as Moscow offers limited economic benefits compared with China and the West.
Burkina Faso
![Mali’s Assimi Goita, Niger’s General Abdourahamane Tiani and Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traore are united by a push for greater sovereignty and strategic autonomy [Mahamadou Hamidou/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-06T181508Z_1249496886_RC2PP8AXR1TZ_RTRMADP_3_WESTAFRICA-SECURITY-SAHEL-1720621774.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![Security cooperation in the Sahel has become increasingly fragmented as regional governments pursue different approaches to fighting armed groups [Philippe Desmazes/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/000_Par8191835.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![Captain Ibrahim Traore has emerged as a prominent figure in Africa’s debate over sovereignty, security and the future of military-led governments [Mali Government Information Center via AP]](/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AP25357459450133-1767178831.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![Captain Ibrahim Traore’s relationship with Muslim leaders has come under strain as his government tightens control over religious affairs. [File: Stanislav Krasilnikov/RIA Novosti via AP]](/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ap_68b6dc86197ff-1756814470.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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Hottest year on record almost certain to occur by end of 2030, UN warns
Warning comes as Western Europe experiences a heatwave, with temperatures reaching highs not expected until the summer.
EXPLAINER
Can Macron’s Kenya visit revive French influence in Africa?
France is facing deepening resentment in former African colonies where it once had political influence.
Niger suspends nine French media bodies: Watchdog slams ‘abusive’ decision
Niger’s military government has banned dozens of local and foreign reporters since seizing power in 2023.
Burkina Faso authorities accused of secretly detaining prominent journalist
RSF says investigation found Atiana Serge Oulon held at Ouagadougou villa, contradicting authorities’ account.
‘We saw terrible things’: Mali refugees tell of atrocities amid attacks
Thousands of Malians have been forced to flee their country as several groups, including the army, assault them.
![A Malian refugee now willing to the identified sits in his tent in Dounkara village, Mauritania [Shola Lawal/Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/P1040667-1776903867.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
EXPLAINER
What role has Russia played in Mali’s security and the Sahel region?
Russia, which has been making inroads into the Sahel through defence partnerships, now faces scrutiny.
Burkina Faso dissolves more than 100 NGOs and civil society groups
Amnesty International calls the latest Traore government crackdown a ‘flagrant attack’ on basic rights.
‘Forget democracy’ says Burkina Faso’s military leader Ibrahim Traore
Traore reneged on promises to hold elections and has since scrapped political parties in the country.
Burkina Faso military, allies committing ‘horrific’ civilian abuses: HRW
More than 1,800 civilians have been killed by the army and armed groups since 2023, Human Rights Watch says.
EXPLAINER
West African regional army: Why thousands of soldiers are deploying
How will strained ties between ECOWAS and neighbours Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso affect the fight against armed groups?
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